In the wake of the evolving novel coronavirus pandemic, community bankers are responding by widespread cancellations of large gatherings, enhanced sanitation efforts, and promotion of online banking services and remote work.
The Iowa Bankers Association canceled all IBA conferences, training activities and other events scheduled at external venues in March. All of the association’s small group, peer group and committee meetings this month will be held remotely or canceled. “We will continue to evaluate the situation and will determine the status of future events in upcoming weeks,” the IBA said in a statement.
The Minnesota Bankers Association is canceling or rescheduling all in-person seminars, workshops and conferences through April 17, and the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota canceled its events through April 24, including the cancellation of its lobbying day at the Capitol on March 23, and the postponement of its member networks meetings (including technology, marketing and chief credit officer networks) until June or July.
The Wisconsin Bankers Association is encouraging customers to use online banking resources, and if they are unsure of alternative remote services, to call their banks for guidance.
“Banks routinely work with customers who are experiencing difficult or unexpected issues,” the WBA said in a statement. “That support hasn’t changed.
“Bankers stand ready to assist their customers who may be impacted financially due to COVID-19 and the measures communities are taking to mitigate the spread of the disease. The first and most important step is to contact your bank to explore your options.”
The Nebraska Bankers Association is working with its 171 member banks in the state to address the pandemic. The association is advising its banks minimize person-to-person contact by utilizing drive-thru, digital and ATM channels for transactional services; enhance cleaning and sanitary practices; restrict non-essential travel; allow non-customer-facing bank employees to work from home, and communicate with customers who are facing financial hardship to discuss their individual situations.
“Nebraska banks are the cornerstone of their communities,” said NBA Board Chairman Alan Emshoff in a statement. “Providing safe and reliable service is a key priority for every one of our member institutions, especially in challenging times. I am especially proud of the steps our members are taking to protect the health and safety of our fellow Nebraskans while continuing the professional delivery of banking services.”
Many Nebraska banks closed or limited lobby access to walk-in traffic beginning March 16, according to an NBA statement.
Bremer Bank, St. Paul, Minn., announced March 16 it would close all branch lobbies of the $13 billion bank’s tri-state footprint in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota, effective March 18. The drive-thrus will remain open, as well as the bank’s ATMs and night deposit boxes.
“Experts are repeatedly stating that the most effective way to mitigate this pandemic is to practice social distancing,” said Jeanne Crain, Bremer president and CEO. The bank’s decision came after Minnesota state announcements over the weekend about school closures and confirmed cases of COVID-19 due to community spread.
“Through these actions, Bremer will continue to serve our customers while also taking part in our collective responsibility to ‘flatten the curve,’” Crain said.
Associated Bank, Green Bay, Wis., plans to suspend its branches’ lobby access, beginning March 17 through April 13. All drive-thru facilities at the $32 billion bank will be available during business hours, and ATMs and night deposit boxes will continue to be available.
21st Century Bank, Loretto, Minn., announced the lobbies of its Ham Lake, Blaine, Lexington, Loretto and Rogers, Minn., branches will be closed indefinitely. Northwestern Bank, Chippewa Falls, Wis., closed its lobbies through at least March 30, a local Eau Claire, Wis., news channel reported.
Gate City Bank, Fargo, is staying open, but has encouraged customers to utilize online options such as online banking, phone banking, ATMs, and the bank’s mobile app, wallet and deposits. Woodlands National Bank, Hinckley, Minn., is also staying open, but has emphasized the precautionary measures the $208 million bank is taking, such as enhanced cleaning, increased sanitation, and the following of best practices to mitigate risks for employees and the public.
“We believe it’s prudent to practice preventative health actions and be prepared as conditions change,” said Ken Villebro, the bank’s president and CEO in a letter to its customers.